How to Child Proof Your Home Before and After Baby Arrives

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By Bethany Kandel for Huggies.com

Most parents begin to worry about how to safeguard their little one
from all the dangers in the outside world even before baby arrives on
the scene. For peace of mind, you can begin by making your home
baby-safe and secure during your pregnancy and beyond with some simple
childproofing steps; many of which are common sense.

Experts advise you to get down on your hands and knees to see how
things look from a baby's perspective. Where would you go? What can you
reach? What would you touch?

Remember that childproofing is not a one-shot deal. As baby reaches
different levels of mobility - crawling, toddling, walking -- you will
have to ramp up your protective tactics. Some of these suggestions can
wait until baby becomes mobile and can roll, crawl or move toward
danger, but it's never too soon to begin thinking about the potential
hazards and how they can be fixed. You can even put some safety items
like cabinet and toilet seat locks on your gift registry for use when
the time comes.

Here is a room-by-room checklist to get you started:

Everywhere

Cover electrical outlets.

Use gates to keep stairways, exercise equipment and other potential dangers off limits.

Install window guards or window stops

Make sure heavy bookshelves, dressers and even appliances like
television sets and lamps are bolted down and cords are hidden. Put
heavier items on lower shelves so furniture is not top-heavy.

Cover sharp edges and corners.

Put non-slip pads under all rugs.

Replace any looped cords on blinds or curtains.

Move plants out of reach and get rid of any that are poisonous if ingested.

Get out of the habit of leavingcoins, keys,
matches, mints, paper clips and other small items in bowls or on
counters around the house. Even purses should be hung out of reach
because they often contain medicine and other safety hazards.

Program numbers for your local Poison Control Center into your
mobile phone -- and post next to landlines -- as well as those for the
pediatrician, grandparents and other nearby neighbors in case of
emergency.

Nursery

Do not use hand-me-down cribs from before 2011, when federal safety
requirements were tightened. Vintage cribs from your own childhood
should never be used even for a visit to grandma's house.

Be sure to position the crib and changing table away from windows,
lamps, hanging wall decorations, electrical or blind cords, shelves and
climbable furniture.

Keep the crib clutter-free without pillows, heavy quilts, fluffy
blankets, bulky bumpers or large stuffed animals that could be a
suffocation hazard or a larger child could use to climb out.

Place diapers and all changing supplies within reach of the changing
table so you never have to leave baby unattended to retrieve something.

Bathroom

Set hot-water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Attach a toilet lock.

Store all toiletries and cleaning products on high shelves or in
cabinets with baby locks. Remember, even perfume, nail polish remover,
baby oil, mouthwash, rubbing alcohol and deodorizers can be hazardous.

Always unplug electrical appliances like curling irons after use and store them safely.

Kitchen

Put latches on dishwasher and all lower cabinets and drawers.

Affix a stove shield or stove-knob covers. Use back burners when possible, and always turn handles toward the back.

Keep pet food bowls and litter boxes out of reach.

Living/Dining Room

Store knick-knacks on high shelves.

Use a fireplace screen and store fire utensils and matches away from baby.

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